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The Minnesota Department of Health has announced that it is taking action against two other bars / restaurants that have reopened, in violation of the state’s ban on dining to reduce the spread of COVID.
The department issued cessation and waiver orders and notices of suspension of the beverage license against the Long Pine store in Pine River and Jamieson’s on the Main in Oslo.
The current ban on dining is in effect until January 11, after the initial closure period, which was due to end on December 18, was extended by Governor Walz.
MDH says the Long Pine store was found open for “drinking” during an inspection on December 18, with the termination and waiver and notification of the suspension of the license issued on December 24.
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An inspection at Jamieson’s on the Main was carried out on 21 December and was also found to be open for food consumption.
It joins a growing list of units that have been the subject of enforcement by either the MDH, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, or the Minnesota Attorney General’s office.
“The COVID-19 protocols are designed to slow the spread of this virus and reduce the impact of this pandemic,” said MDH Assistant Commissioner Dan Huff.
“Our preference is always to work with companies to bring them into compliance and we consider regulatory action as a last resort. The vast majority of companies are doing their best to slow down the spread of COVID-19 and we owe it to them to have a consistent and equitable enforcement approach. “